Ashes: It’s a great start for us as a team, says Travis Head

Australia batsman Travis Head believes winning the first Ashes Test by nine wickets is a great start for the team. He expressed his gratitude to the captain Pat Cummins And to give head coach Justin Langer the clarity and opportunity to get the job done. Head was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his counter-innings of 152 off 148 balls, which took Australia out of trouble from 195/5 to 425 in the first innings.

“The staff, Pat (Cummins) and JL (Justin Langer) were fantastic with communication, gave me real clarity and a clear mind and got great and great to contribute. It’s a great start for us as a team. Davy -Marnus partnership that set me up late, to take advantage of my opportunity,” Head said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Talking further about his feelings while batting, Head said, “It was a tough wicket, my luck rode, it was good to take my chances and contribute and this morning was fantastic. The whole moment, the crowd And the spirit of Test cricket – you ride that wave, I was going really hard and there were a lot of emotions and it was great to ride with Starc.”

Head had words of praise for the off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who became the third Australian bowler after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath to take 400 Test wickets.

“He came back beautifully, yesterday he must have been disappointed he didn’t like the result but he kept going tough and hanging in there. We knew the rewards were around the corner, whatever he gets, he deserves it. What an excellent worker, an excellent team-man. Fantastic to see him achieve the results he’s made and come back really strong for us this morning.”

The 27-year-old signed off saying he cannot wait day and night for the second Test at his home ground Adelaide. “I’ll enjoy it and can’t wait to get home, one of the great weeks in Adelaide, I’m sure it will sell out and I can’t wait to get there.”